‘Feeling paw-sitively cosy on this rug’: Sara Tendulkar tries her hand at tufting — here’s everything you need to know about this hobby

This carpet-making technique uses a special tufting gun, which shoots loops of yarn through the mesh fabric, allowing for the creation of furry patterns and textures.

According to a Tufty blog post, tufting can be done by hand with hooks or by machine with an electric gun, which is the more popular option these days. The result can be home accessories such as rugs and cushions, as well as works of art.

Having the right tools is crucial for successful carpet tufting. A tufting gun (for example our favorite model AK-V), yarn, a frame with stretched fabric, scissors, thread and a pencil are essential. The choice of yarn and fabric also greatly influences the final look. It is important to choose quality and durable materials. High quality materials will of course guarantee both beauty and longevity.

Tufting is a carpet manufacturing process
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Tufting gun

One of the most important tools for tufting carpets is the tufting gun. It is a hand-held device resembling a large needle with a handle. The yarn is fed through the gun, which pushes it through the base fabric and creates loops that are then cut to form the pile of the rug. By repeating this process, the yarn is tufted into the designated areas and the design begins to take shape. The gun can be manual, electric or pneumatic and allows you to create a cut or looped pile according to the pattern.

Yarn

Technically any type of yarn can be used to make tufted rugs, but for best results with a tufting gun opt for a wool, cotton or acrylic yarn. The type of yarn used will affect the texture and durability of the product, as well as the smoothness of the tufting process. It is important to choose a strong and durable yarn that can withstand the load of the feet.

Detailing the process

To use a tufting gun, you need to stretch the base fabric tightly over the frame. You can then use the tufting gun to push the yarn through the backing fabric to create the pattern. The main options include: primary tufting fabric in grey and white, monk’s cloth and jute. The shape and size of the tufting frame is not fixed -depending on your project’s needs and capabilities. The main components of the frame are wooden planks, nails and carpet runners.

Other tools and equipment needed for carpet tufting are: glue to secure the back of the carpet, scissors to cut the yarn, thread for pulling the yarn through the tufting gun, tape measure to measure the fabric and yarn, bobbins to hold the yarn.

From the homepage

How the Karur stampede unfolded and a big question: What next for Vijay?

Asia Cup, IND-PAK final: Beyond bitterness on field, a tale of two superfans Sudhir and Chacha – ‘Will end with a hug, no matter who wins’

Pakistan’s response to EAM Jaishankar an admission of longstanding practice of terrorism: India at UN